WHO ARE ART THERAPISTS?

Here in Florida, knowing who is and who isn't an “art therapist” may not be easy. Hopefully the following information will help to clarify this question:

Who are Art Therapists? Art therapists are Master’s level professionals who hold a degree in art therapy or a related field. Educational requirements include: theories of art therapy, counseling, and psychotherapy; ethics and standards of practice; assessment and evaluation; individual, group, and family techniques; human and creative development; multicultural issues; research methods; and practicum experiences in clinical, community, and/or other settings. Art therapists are skilled in the application of a variety of art modalities (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other media) for assessment and treatment.For more information about art therapists, click here.

According to the American Art Therapy Association, the practice/clinical standards for “art therapy” require educational requirements such as a Master's degree in Art Therapy. Using the term “art therapy” without completing the educational requirements may be misleading. Please see requirements set by the American Art Therapy Association and the Art Therapy Credentials Board

If you know someone who is not abiding by these educational and practice requirements, feel free to contact us or the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). Click here for AATA guidelines on how to proceed if someone is misrepresenting themselves as an art therapist.

We are happy to cultivate working relationships with individuals across such fields as counseling, social work, psychology, psychiatry, and more. We feel honored to work with talented and diverse colleagues for the benefit of our clients.

If you are a counselor, social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist or other professional interested in art therapy, please allow us to provide art therapy in-services, and educational presentations at your place of employment, university, and/ or classroom. Email us to find out more.